4K Rendering and Uploading Requirements

Thanks for the discussion gentlemen, it's been very helpful. The answer seems to be I need to eventually upgrade software that can more efficiently deal with the scale, so when the budget allows for it, that's the plan. However, I think I figured out what Vegas CAN do in the meantime.

Vegas doesn't have a problem editing in 2K, and rendering 2K in Photo-Jpeg is straight-forward because it allows up to 2048x2048. 4K on the other hand appears to render well enough when using the H.264 codec in the MainConcept AVC/AAC format and maxing out the quality settings. The finished .MP4 file is roughly 3x the size its duplicate 2K .MOV photojpeg version, and looks rich and sharp when maximized on my screen. Also, Pond5 has already approved a couple, so I hope that means it's kosher.

Sony Vegas CAN render 4K files!

1. Choose render as MOV (Quicktime)
2. Go to custom
3. Go to template choose Default Template
4. Frame Size: Custom Frame Size
5. Put the 4096x2304 or your 4K aspect ratio
6. Video Format Photo Jpeg
7. Quality what ever you like
8. Better save this template ;)

Hit OK and render!